Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Salehuddin Ahmed, commented on the current state of politics in the country, suggesting that without proper political stability, the economy cannot be expected to function effectively. He expressed these views during a book launch event held on Saturday, April 27, at the National Press Club. The event was organized for the publication of 'Amar Jibon Amar Sangram', an autobiography by retired Professor Mahbub Ullah of Dhaka University, which spans 592 pages and is published by 'Bangla Gobeshona'.

Salehuddin argued, "Discussing merely economic issues won't solve Bangladesh's problems. The main issue here is politics. If politics isn't right, the economy won't be either... you can see for yourselves... it's a terrible situation. Politics is the main issue."

Salehuddin, who assumed the role of Governor of Bangladesh Bank during the last BNP administration on May 1, 2005, and served until April 30, 2009, stressed that technical economic discussions—whether growth rates are 5.5 or 5.7, or if inflation is 8.2 or 8.3—do not address the core issues. "The real problem is that our institutions have been destroyed, and politics is largely on the path to destruction; how can the economy possibly be alright in such a scenario?"

He also reflected on the importance of engaging in positive and beneficial politics during one's student life, implying that good governance is foundational to becoming a virtuous person in the future. He emphasized the importance of values, mentioning, "Values are necessary. We had some values in our times. Brother Mahbub Ullah certainly did. He lived his life honestly and could have been many things."

At the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir listens to discussions seated among the audience. Salehuddin, referring to the BNP leader, said, "We too have engaged in politics; my friend Alamgir has lived his life honestly. The values among us would always haunt us, and still do; thoughts for the common people, these thoughts still haunt us."

At the beginning of the event, a prayer was held wishing for the peace of the soul of journalist Mahfuz Ullah, the younger brother of author Mahbub Ullah. He passed away on this day in 2019.

"We want a democratic Bangladesh"

"Today, the country is facing a severe crisis. We cannot determine how to overcome this crisis simply by looking at democratic movements in eight or ten other countries. We must choose our own path, said Professor Mahbub Ullah."

Referring to the Russian Revolution, he said, "In 1905, the textbook revolution in Russia, after which Lenin said, 'Now, even if we have to infiltrate among the reactionaries, we must work.' This was a crucial strategy at the time, which allowed the 1917 Revolution to happen. We need to understand these things."

At this moment, he mentioned that the goal is 'very limited,' stating, "Our goal is a democratic Bangladesh where we can speak and express our opinions freely."

"How did the festival of voting disappear?"

Emeritus Professor Nurul Amin of the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, discussing the country's election process, said, "Since childhood, I remember Election Day as a festival, from the union to the national level, how it disappeared! I myself was about to vote in 2018. My wife was with me. They said, 'If you want to vote for BNP, do not enter the voting center.'"

He said, "This is our biggest loss. Where are our struggle and our democratic values today?" The professor also commented that the problem arose due to the abolition of the caretaker government system.

In her speech at the event, retired professor Dilara Chowdhury from Jahangirnagar University said, "Mahbub Ullah’s book is a political document. It contains the desires and aspirations of the common people. I believe this book is a significant contribution by the author."

The discussion, hosted by poet Abdul Hai Sikder, featured speakers including Mostafa Jamal Haider, chairman of the National Party (Kazi Zafar), women’s leader Shirin Haq, the editor of New Age, Nurul Kabir, the joint editor of Prothom Alo, Sohrab Hassan, and the publisher of Bangla Research, Afzalul Bashar.